The Chicago Bulls would ideally like to land Carmelo Anthony, but might need some help in order to do so. The salary cap is tight with team and a few key roster moves must be made if the Bulls are going to acquire another max contract. Most of that centers around Carlos Boozer and his inflated deal. However, while the Bulls would prefer to execute a sign-and-trade deal, the New York Knicks are not interested in helping them out.
If the Bulls are going to acquire Anthony, Boozer must go. His $16.8 million salary in the final year of his contract is no longer wanted in Chicago. Now, the team could easily use their amnesty clause and wipe the big man off the books. They would still have to pay Boozer, but the deal would not count against the salary cap. However, the Bulls feel Boozer still has some worth on the market and would prefer to trade him instead.
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Knicks have zero interest in Boozer and would not help Chicago out if that is the deal presented. K.C. Johnson is reporting that the Knicks might be interested in a deal involving the guard, but not if it means getting Boozer and his terrible contract in return even if it expires in a deal and clears space. If the Knicks are putting together a sign-and-trade for Anthony, they would want someone like Taj Gibson or even Joakim Noah in return rather than the center who has struggled playing four quarters this year.
Trading Boozer will be easier said than done. Chicago is going to be hard pressed to find a team willing to take on that big of a salary cap hit for a player that is aging and not as effective as he was when he first signed that contract. Bleacher Report is reporting that if a team is going to make a deal for Boozer, the best option might be a team like the Los Angeles Lakers. The trading price for Boozer will be cheap. Chicago will get desperate to move him. The Lakers could show interest if they for sure lose Pau Gasol in free agency. With just three players under contract, getting a one-year rental might be the most appealing option.